Rose Johnstone

Yep, you read that correctly: your dream trip to Canada could be just around the corner. Specifically, you’ll be going to Gander, Newfoundland. Where is this, you ask? It’s the town where the hit wholesome musical ‘Come From Away’ takes place – and it’s absolutely gorgeous.  If you haven’t yet seen the musical in London’s West End, ‘Come From Away’ – directed by Tony Award-winning Christopher Ashley alongside Olivier Award-winning writers Irene Sankoff and David Hein – shares the incredible true story of the 7,000 air passengers from all over the world who were grounded in Gander during the wake of 9/11. It’s a heartwarming, life-affirming tale of a small Newfoundland community that invited these ‘come from aways’ into their lives. We gave it five stars, saying: “‘Come from Away’ creates a kind of temporary utopia: a little world where (almost) everyone is forced, by earth-shattering events hundreds of miles away, to come together and build a community based on principles of generosity and care.” But we’re not just here to convince you to see ‘Come From Away’ (which runs until January 7, 2023 ). The prize does include two tickets to see the show in London, but the really special part is that you’ll also be flown to Gander. There, you’ll go to a special event at Gander Airport, and be there for the first night of the ‘Come From Away’ concerts happening in Gander. You’ll meet the writers of the show, stay in local accommodation, and also receive £500 spending money.  Sounds lik

When’s the last time you tried something genuinely thrilling? If you’re craving a bit of adventure, then we think it’s time you took on the challenge of Dare Skywalk. It doesn’t matter whether or not you’re a football fan; this unique experience will see you scaling Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, then marvelling at breathtaking views of London (not to mention visiting the world-famous golden cockerel up close!). There’s nothing quite like it, and you can choose to go at daylight, sunset or even at night. The experience is suitable for ages eight and up. 

Have you got the kind of kid whose imagination runs really, really wild? The kind that you can give a LEGO set to and they’ll craft complex characters, build entire worlds and construct vast narratives and scenarios? Well, if you do, a very special event called LEGO City Missions is coming to the West End at the end of this month which’ll be totally perfect for ‘em. So what exactly is LEGO City Missions, you ask? Put simply, it’s a kind of immersive experience where kids are plonked in the heart of a spectacular and exciting LEGO City Missions storyline. Surrounded by the thrillingly hyperactive, hyperdynamic LEGO world, they then get to use their imaginations to pitch their way through it. The specific experience coming to the West End is based on the LEGO Mars Spacecraft Exploration Missions set. It’ll involve attendees working through a dazzling world of LEGO spaceships and characters, while they themselves journey from being undercover agents to space cadets ready for an exhilarating trip into outer space.  The experience is all about guests figuring their own way through the story. In other words, there are no set instructions for the kids, just a loose plotline and the encouragement to use their own imaginations.  Now, you might be thinking that this kind of experience – which’ll no doubt keep yer kid occupied for its entire hour of length – must surely be very expensive indeed. But you’d be wrong. It’s actually completely free. All you have to do is book a slot in adva

The florist scene in San Diego is better than ever. Budding new independent retailers are sprouting up (see what we did there?) all over the county, and if you are in a hurry, many florists offer same-day delivery. So if you're searching for gorgeous Valentine's Day blooms, birthday or hostess gifts, something for Mother’s Day, or just want to brighten up your own home (hey, you deserve to treat yourself, you know!), you'll find something to suit every occasion. There is prompt delivery, so you'll never have to wake up on the day and panic-jog to a nearby gas station and pick up some wilted flowers that look sweatier than you. Want to select some blooms that are native to the area? Try California Poppies, Hummingbird Trumpets, Lewisias, Pacific Coast Irises, Coast Indian Paintbrush, Common Thrift, or Yarrows. Chances are they won't have to travel far to reach their recipient, meaning they will stay fresh longer. We’ve picked a bunch of our favorite florists, all of whom deliver throughout the San Diego region. Happy gifting!

The Elizabeth line is here! Bringing more of London together, it transforms how Londoners and visitors alike can whizz around the capital, reducing journey times when you’re heading from east or west into central London. Here are some amazing things to do to get you started… The Elizabeth line stretches from Reading and Heathrow in the west through central tunnels across to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east.

This summer, we’re teaming up with Transport for London to help you do more of what you love. We’ve hand-picked six exciting things to do that are all free, or cost less than a tenner, that are all close to TfL stations. From free fun for all the family in Hackney Wick to pocket-friendly pedalo riders in Crystal Palace, #LetsDoLondon this summer.

What, to you, says summer in London? That’s what we’re asking the musicians soundtracking our sunny days and balmy evenings. Gracey is a singer songwriter going from strength to strength since releasing her first EP ‘Imposter Syndrome’ in 2020; last year, her release ‘Don’t Need Love’ got her nominated for a BRIT Award for Song of the Year. Her new track, ‘Lonely Heart’ with Jax Jones and Martin Solveig is a perfect summer bop – so we thought that she’d have a pretty solid idea of how to make the most of those sunny days and balmy evenings in the capital. You can catch Gracey at festivals all over the UK this summer, from Camp Bestival (Aug 20) and Witcombe Festival (Aug 27) to Godiva Festival (Sep 3).  Want to get around with ease this summer? What’s Your Thing is created in partnership with FREE NOW, the mobility super app, which gives you the freedom to zip around the capital with Black Cabs, Private Rides, eScooters or eBikes. 

Ahh, summer. It’s officially upon us in the Big Smoke, and we’re all on the lookout for spots to eat, drink and be merry. Well, how about somewhere that’s not only central as hell, but has all the delights in one place, for free? You heard us. Just five minutes from King’s Cross station, there’s an oasis by Regents Canal. Think grassy chilling spots, sculptures, and the famous Granary Square fountains. All hidden away from the traffic and noise of central London. Here’s five reasons to hit up King’s Cross this summer.

1. Visit Lune to try its monthly specials. Past offerings have included carrot cake croissants and Iced VoVo cruffins – yum.  2. LOL until your face hurts at Spleen Bar which hosts free live comedy every Monday night. Entry is $10. 3. Catch a free (or very cheap) gig in one of the many music venues of the inner north; we suggest the Tote, the Evelyn, Bar Open or the Night Cat. 4. Eat oysters for $2 a pop with a $15 glass of bubbles at Hemingway's Wine Room every Wednesday from 5pm to 7pm. Bonus: we've rounded up heaps of other tasty and cheap oyster happy hours in the city.  4. Go to town on dumplings by the plateful at Shanghai Street on Little Bourke St, with dollars to spare for beer.  5. Feast on an all-you-can-eat meat-free lunch or dinner for less than $10 at Crossways. If you're a concession cardholder, it costs a measly $7.50.  6.  Try your hand at free karaoke at Jankara Karaoke on Russell Street. Instead of your typical karaoke bar where there are private rooms, Jankara opts for an open floor policy. If this sounds nerve-wracking, don't worry: there's plenty of alcohol to help calm your nerves. 7.  Visit the Queen Victoria Night Market and enjoy a balmy summer night of filling your belly with snacks from local food trucks. Entry is free, so you can spend your hard-earned dollars on food instead!  8. Head to the NGV and check out some of the free exhibitions. The permanent collection is always free to explore, and at the moment you can check out the pink pond at wel

There’s no doubt about it: summer 2022 in London is already epic. We’re all making up for lost time, heading to festivals, barbecues and holidays – and we’re enjoying a refreshing cocktail in the sun. But instead of sticking to your usual summer drinks, we reckon it’s time to branch out and discover something a little different. That’s where Haig Club comes in.  We’ve teamed up with Haig Club to show you why this smooth-tasting single grain whisky makes an ideal choice for summer. Since launching with partner David Beckham, Haig Club’s motto has been to ‘#MakeYourOwnRules ’ – and that includes infusing this versatile whisky with delicious flavours to find combinations that work for every taste. A particularly perfect option for summer is Haig Club Mediterranean Orange, made with natural orange flavours. Together with lemonade, it forms a juicy, summery delight. And guess what? You can try it for free right now at The Prince in West Brompton when you download this voucher right here. But what if you want to make one yourself to enjoy with friends at your next barbecue, pre-festival drinks or picnic? Below, you’ll find two tasty Haig Club Mediterranean Orange recipes. 

The sun is out, the evenings are balmy, every corner of the capital is buzzing with activity – is there anywhere better than summer in London? You can spend your days at festivals, hanging out with mates or just chilling out with a refreshing bevvie in hand. And when it comes to drinks, it pays to get a little adventurous – which is where Haig Club comes in.   Haig Club Mediterranean Orange and Lemonade is the quintessential summer concoction, thanks to its refreshing, citrus-infused taste inspired by the sandy shores of the Med. And the best part? You can try this fresh infusion for free at one of London’s best pubs before whipping up your own version with our handy recipe guide. Take your first sip of your (free!) Haig Club Mediterranean Orange and Lemonade and you’ll instantly see why this citrusy creation is an ideal summer drink. Forget about the old whisky stereotypes and leave convention behind; this zesty, smooth mix is a welcome twist on tradition. Want to try it for yourself? From July 19, you’ll be able to use your voucher to redeem one free Haig Club Mediterranean Orange and Lemonade at The Prince in West Brompton. Just find it on the menu, order it at the bar and hand it over in order to get one refreshing mix. Valid until the end of August this can be used whenever you’re looking for sunshine in a glass. Download your voucher now to try a free Haig Club Mediterranean Orange and Lemonade. Please note that each voucher can only be used once and it is only valid f

Summer is all about trying new things – and no, we don’t mean sitting at a different table in your favourite beer garden. We mean fresh flavours, vibey venues and maybe even a photo or two that’ll look great on your social feed. And right now, you can eat at some of the capital’s best restaurants for up to 50 percent off. How, you ask? With TheFork app, which allows you to book tables at spots all over London – and you can search by preference, location, price and availability. But if all that decision-making seems a little overwhelming, we’ve selected five London restaurants to visit this summer – all at which you can get up to 50 percent off if you book through TheFork. Download TheFork app to find more restaurants

Think the past couple of years have been rough? Try surviving a Martian invasion only to be captured by an enormous fighting machine and having your blood harvested, ‘The Matrix’-style, in a stifling capsule. That’s the 1898 envisaged by H.G. Wells in his pioneering sci-fi thriller ‘The War of the Worlds’, which was then adapted by Jeff Wayne in his 1978 prog sci-fi album, which imbues Wells’s Victorian tale with rock-opera camp and steampunk kitsch. It’s this rather Marmite pop culture relic that forms the basis of this immersive theatre experience. It launched back in 2019, but it’s changed a fair bit since then. Presumably, techy immersive theatre company Layered Reality has finessed the VR and AR (augmented reality) tech, because now it’s slick AF. In fact, at times it’s terrifying… in the best possible way.  Take for example the moment that I stood, ensconced in a VR-enhanced Fighting Machine capsule, and felt something actually pinch me. I screamed into what (through my VR goggles) I perceived as a hellish Martian human-blood farm. I heard other screams in the distance – my fellow survivors in the booths beside me.  But it’s not all jump scares. The 24 scenes that make up the experience are incredibly varied; as per Jeff Wayne’s album, we follow the path of The Journalist, starting with his first glimpse through a telescope of noxious green gas emerging from Mars. We duck through tunnels, climb through windows and ride hot air balloons, encountering actors who are, for

In a world where work is rarely restricted to 9 to 5, where your phone could go off at any moment and where uncertainty reigns, finding a space to completely let go isn’t easy. That’s where floatation therapy comes in. Over the last couple of years, floatation tanks have popped up all over the city – warm, enclosed sanctuaries that offer busy Melburnians a chance to escape from the world and enter a dream-like state of weightlessness. There are all sorts of benefits of floating, from complete muscle relaxation to the ease by which it’s possible to ascend into a restorative meditative state. But let’s start with the basics. The concept itself is fairly simple: it involves stepping into a space-age white pod and slipping into water that is heated to average skin temperature (around 35 degrees). The epsom salt water (which is loaded with magnesium) means that no effort at all is required to float, much like being suspended in the Dead Sea. With no light, sound or use of your body to stay afloat, the feeling is unlike anything else: complete weightlessness, where it’s possible to forget about your own physical being. Sounds far-fetched? I was unsure, too, until I tried it for myself. At Rest House Float Centre – located in Melbourne’s south, about half an hour’s drive from the CBD – the feeling of calm permeates the entire experience, from the moment you step into the lounge-like waiting room and become ensconced in soothing ocean noises and the sweet smell of herbal tea brewi

On any given night at this Collingwood bluestone stalwart, punters of all ages, genders and sexualities are sinking $6 pints of Vale Lager at happy hour by the roaring fireplace, smashing beer burgers and parmas or veg, vegan or gluten-free meals, and standing shoulder-to-shoulder watching gigs on the mezzanine level of the 350-person bandroom. All of this is thanks to a new direction that the Gaso took several years ago, when publicans Shan Vanderwert (formerly from Coburg’s Post Office Hotel) and Clint Fisher (Brunswick’s the Retreat) stepped in and saved the venue from closure. Their mission: to create a warm, welcoming environment that would reflect Melbourne’s incredibly diverse music scene, and the people who make up that ecosystem. It’s a philosophy that you feel the moment the doors to this grand old corner pub swing open. Pull up a plush swivel chair at the bar or sink into a couch (take note of the cute nanna lamps and ’70s vintage planters on the brick walls) and put yourself in the hands of the friendly staff. On the walls are posters and blackboards advertising upcoming events; you could spend an evening eating free pies (meat or veg options) while watching women’s AFL, listening to local and international bands, or sweating your glitter make-up off at a raging queer electro dance party like Outpost or Daydreams. Band bookers Alex Gleeson and Emily Ulman work alongside Katie Pearson who heads up LISTEN (a taskforce addressing sexual harassment and gender parity

In Melbourne, there are plenty of places to drink if you want your cocktail served with a side of fun. We’ve embraced the introduction of booze to otherwise wholesome activities like bowling, video games and even escape rooms – and now, mini golf has entered the mix. But if you’re picturing Holey Moley as a bar with a couple of putting courses tacked on, you need to turn your expectations up several notches. The huge, multi-level CBD space – which was once raging nightclub Sorry Grandma – is a colourful fun house of 27 wacky themed holes, neon lights, pizza and pumping pop music. The formula works. When Holey Moley’s owners (Fun Lab, the same team behind Strike Bowling) announced their expansion from the original Brisbane venue to Melbourne and Sydney, bookings came in thick and fast. On our visit, teenage birthday parties teed up alongside young couples and groups of friends – some of them putting their way through the melting clock madness of ‘Sorry Ms Jackson (I Am Surreal), others taking selfies at a Game of Thrones Iron Throne made entirely from golf clubs. Puns are par for the course at Holey Moley, and once you’re in the golfing spirit (the visor helps) you won't think twice before ordering a Teeyoncé Holes cocktail from the upstairs bar – an instant sugar high of citron vodka, Cointreau, cranberry juice, sour mix, lemonade and soda. Kids-at-heart will jump at the chance to try liquid dessert Happy Gilmoreo, a dangerously drinkable blend of raspberry liqueur, vodka,

Every trip to Melbourne Zoo is different. Despite being Australia’s oldest zoo, this vibrant animal world is constantly evolving, with new exhibits, events, and of course, creatures great and small.  A trip to Melbourne Zoo done right takes a day. The largest exhibit is the majestic Wild Sea, where penguins and seals bask on land before slipping into clear waters and showcasing their elegant aquatic skills. Another highlight is the sprawling Orang-utan Sanctuary, where a family of beautiful, intelligent orang-utans swing from tree to tree, play with each other and feed high off the ground. Then there’s the Trail of the Elephant: an immersive Asian village and garden where five Asian elephants thrive.  We could go on and on about the lions, lemurs, meerkats, butterflies and native animals that you’ll encounter, but we’ll let you discover it all for yourself. Throughout your Melbourne Zoo experience, you’ll learn about all the conservation work that happens behind the scenes; saving wildlife, conserving habitats and raising awareness of initiatives like palm oil labelling. For children and adults alike, a trip to Melbourne Zoo is a way to reconnect with our animal friends and gain a closer understanding of the delicate ecosystems of the world. Can't see enough during the day? Melbourne Zoo also runs 'Roar 'n' Snore' overnight camp, where you can sleep at the zoo in the historical elephant exhibit. Drift off to sleep listening to the calls of the animals, and when you wake in th

Venture to the top of Lygon Street and you’ll find a wine nerd’s paradise. Modelling itself on the French ‘négociant’ model, ReWine buys wine directly from wineries across the country and stores wine in the shop in barrels. It’s all about personal service here; spend time tasting, comparing and talking, then when you find something you like and buy it by the refillable bottle. That bright 2016 Tempranillo from King Valley you like? Your bottle will cost $18, but it's $15 for a refill when you bring your bottle back.

Is anything just a bar these days? The Grid is an escape room in dystopian London, where an evil AI startup threatens to wipe out humanity. Your goal is to beat the system. While drinking cocktails. You go in thinking that you’re a volunteer for a company called Neosight, sent to interact with a new AI robot to teach it about human intelligence. But then there’s a twist that’s (almost) Brooker-worthy. But surely cocktails and complex puzzles don’t mix? Oh, you’d be surprised. The experience includes two drinks – one you have at the beginning, and the other at the end. The game’s creators cleverly weave both into the narrative, and neither are so strong that you’d struggle with logic and maths (well, no more than usual). And the cocktails are good – if you like your drinks teeth-grittingly sweet. There’s a fun, DIY element to them, too, and you can choose between gin, vodka or non-alcoholic. Really, they’re more a fun add-on than the main event. Turns out there’s not much time for boozing on the brink of an AI apocalypse.

Here’s the thing about escape rooms: no matter how many of them you try, you’ll always feel the same sense of nervous intrigue when you visit a new one. Here at Time Out, we can’t get enough of being locked in a room and solving puzzles against the clock to escape – which is why we jumped for joy when we heard about the Mystery Rooms in Fitzroy.  Tucked away in leafy Napier Street, The Mystery Rooms occupies the site of a former wool factory. We’re greeted by Tom Hudson and his partner, Jodie, a couple who discovered escape rooms in Budapest (the city where the craze first took off in Europe) and were inspired to create their own. Clearly, adventure runs through their blood – in 2015, Tom built a boat and rowed with one friend from New York across the North Atlantic to the UK to raise money for a breast cancer charity.  Knowing this, it’s less surprising, but no less impressive, that Tom and Jodie have built the rooms themselves in consultation with a set designer. As an antidote to some of the city’s glitzier CBD operations, The Mystery Rooms is charmingly DIY and a little eccentric: a cosy lounge offers a space to relax before the action begins; the toilet is a Doctor Who ‘Poolice Box’; a small bar is stocked with wine for debriefing with friends after the escape.  There are four rooms here, the Footsteps of the Pharaohs, the Ned Kelly Experience, Secrets of Camelot and A Grimm Finale, which can only be played once you've completed the other three. We choose the Footsteps o

If there’s one thing Londoners can count on in summer, it’s open-air theatre. A lot of open-air theatre. But it’s one thing to watch a play under the stars, and another entirely to be immersed in a production that makes the most of an unconventional environment. It’s for this reason that Iris Theatre’s ‘The Tempest’ – brought to life in the lush gardens of St Paul’s Church in Covent Garden – is so much fun, despite its unevenness. Partially, this is down to the promenade structure of Daniel Winder’s production of Shakespeare’s magical late play. Audiences are invited to follow the action through four locations – three in the garden, and one inside the church. There’s no point in cringing when Jamie Newall’s magician Prospero first instructs audiences to ‘Go, follow!’ in a show filled with magic – including some fun sleight-of-hand involving floating recorders and disappearing food – surrendering to the conceit is compulsory. Besides, the decision to keep things moving (literally) allows set designer Mike Leopold and lighting designer Benjamin Polya to flex their muscles. The visual aesthetic is heavily based on opulent seventeenth-century masques, which makes perfect sense given that Inigo Jones, St Paul’s architect, was a leading designer of these royal soirees. In the outdoor scenes, thick vines snake around multi-levelled set pieces that evoke ruined royal palaces. A soundscape of running water and birdsong (by Filipe Gomes) fills the space so naturally that it blends with

Just when you thought our fair city had it all, a new, shiny activity comes along that you never knew you were missing out on. Melbourne, welcome to the world of axe-throwing. After winning hearts in Sydney, Maniax opened in Abbotsford in 2018 to the delight of all those who want to have fun or blow off some steam, Viking-style.  The concept is pretty simple. Pick up an axe, aim carefully, and lob it at a target. Maniax recommend that you book in groups for a two-hour session, where you'll receive one-on-one coaching session then taken through a series of tournaments to find out who is deadliest with a raw steel axe. Up in Sydney, Maniax attracts everyone from hens and bucks parties to office outings. "Everyone's got a different style," Maniax co-owner Adam Schilling told Time Out Sydney. "Some people are lobbers, some throw it hard, some soft... but everyone puts their own spin on it." The concept supposedly started when Schilling and his business partner Steve Thomas – both working airline pilots – set up a backyard version of the sport after Steve had encountered axe-throwing in Canada. As you can imagine, there is a strict no-tolerance policy for alcohol and open-toed shoes. 

If you’ve never strapped on a VR headset and entered the virtual reality world, then what I’m about to tell you might sound pretty farfetched. Ridiculous, even. I’m standing on the tip of a wooden plank, which is jutting off a skyscraper 80 storeys above a city. I look down at the rooftops, streets and cars, and my hands begin to sweat. I can almost feel the wind swirling around me, and I can definitely feel a rising sense of vertigo. Then, I hear a voice telling me to jump off the plank. At first, the idea of doing this is unthinkable. But then, I close my eyes for a second, brace myself, and take a leap – screaming as the ground rushes up to meet me. Of course, none of this is actually happening. In the real world, I’m standing in a small room above a bookshop in Fitzroy, walking on a real wooden plank on the ground. And until this moment, I never would have expected virtual reality to feel so incredibly real. vArcade is the brainchild of Owen Spear – who is also the man behind Melbourne’s first-ever escape room – and Daniel Duckworth. Given that escape rooms are all about thrilling, immersive experiences, it’s no surprise that he decided to branch out into VR. If the first thing that comes to mind with VR is hardcore gaming, then it’s time to shift your perception. vArcade is all about giving everyone (regardless of whether they’re into gaming or not) a chance to enter new worlds. Participants get to choose between one of three packages for a 45-minute session. In each o

Not your average trip to the museum There are now so many similarly named escape room venues in Melbourne that these days, what really sets them apart is the creativity of their themed rooms. So imagine our excitement to discover Escape Hunt: one branch of a huge global company that changes up its four rooms every nine months on average. In the majority of rooms, willing captors are cast as detectives, hired to solve everything from the thief of a secret beer recipe (‘Secrets of the Brewery’) to the murder of our colleagues (‘Law and Disorder’). This time around, we decide to go for ‘Odditorium’ – an experience set in a spooky museum. In the comfortable waiting room, our friendly hosts informs us that our four-person team has been hired to find out why employees of the Odditorium have been mysteriously disappearing. The current curator Oliver has begun acting strangely; how long will it be until he vanishes? We step into the small, dimly lit space, and begin to let our eyes adjust to our surroundings. We’re surrounded by bookshelves, with shelf after shelf filled with statues, books and other oddities. So far, so normal (if a little bit creepy). It’s only until ten minutes later that we realise that this room is just the beginning of a much larger journey. As consummate puzzle-masters, Escape Hunt know how to weave a devious plot through the entire experience. Slowly, the mystery of the Odditorium unfolds, and it’s much darker than we imagined. As we venture deep into the

In a list of things that are quintessentially Melbourne, trams sit up there with laneways, coffee, footy, volatile weather and Franco Cozzo. From Port Melbourne to Box Hill, St Kilda Beach to East Brunswick, Melbourne’s electric tram network is the transport of choice for many of us – a way of life, if you will.  But it must be said that not all trams were created equal. If you’re a regular tram rider, no doubt you’ve chugged along on the ancient W-Class tram, rattled through Kew on a C-Class or zoomed through the city on a new-fangled E-Class. And if, like many of us, you’ve found yourself arguing with a friend over which tram is your favourite, then you’ll be relieved to know that we’ve come up with the definitive ranking of Melbourne’s tram network.  1. The best tram in Melbourne: E-Class  Introduced: 2013 Routes: 11, 86 and 96 Detailed automatic passenger announcements. Comfortable chairs. Ample butt-rests. Ergonomic stop request buttons. The most powerful air-conditioning system yet. Yarra Trams have triumphed with their latest model, which, with its sleek and minimalist interior, means that the most stylish of Melburnians need not compromise on design principles when getting from A to B. The shrill peel of older trams has given way to a pleasant low beep when doors open. Extra points go to the low-floored E-Class for complying with the Disability Discrimination Act.  Fun fact: This is the first Melbourne-built tram since the B-Class in the ’90s. 2. Z-Class  Introduced

It’s lockdown three and you miss going out a lot. You miss sticky pub floors, rubbing sweaty shoulders, talking shit while you shiver in the smoking area, taking control of the aux cord, furiously applauding, awkwardly flirting. All is not lost however. You and your mates can organise a Zoom party and attempt to recreate some iconic facets of the ‘eclectic’ and ‘vibrant’ nightlife that we used to bang on about all the time via, er, cushions, your central heating, mini sausage rolls and the power of your imagination, woooo. Forget quizzes: it’s time to get nostalgic. Your city demands it. The ‘hen do at ‘Magic Mike Live!’’ theme Channing Tatum’s woke, female-gazey spectacular ‘Magic Mike Live!’ was the holy grail of hen do activities. Basically a prosecco-fuelled, sex positive strip show, ‘MML!’ wholeheartedly embraced singing, screaming and in-seat dancing. You were even allowed, encouraged, to touch the men. That would certainly be frowned upon IRL now, but there are ways to recreate the experience at home. Obviously, watch the film. Nay, watch the 2015 sequel, ‘Magic Mike XXL’. It involves even more stripping. Before you press play, don your tightest dresses and neck a bottle of prosecco each (ideally, through a penis straw). Then, decide who’s maid of honour. Think carefully before you assign the role. She must be prepared to a) throw pink dollar bills into the sky; b) yell ‘you are enough, just as you are!’ at the hens and c) decide when the time is right to blast Ginuwin

On a scale of one to 'I laid out my old ticket stubs to create a sad little shrine,' how much do you miss theatre? If you’re caning 'Hamilton' on repeat on Disney+ and the mere memory of tiny West End ice cream tubs brings a tear to your eye, then we’ve got another way for you to fuel that theatre nostalgia while you wait for lockdown to ease. 'Stage Door' is a photography project by London-based photographer Harvey Aspell. Started in 2018, the series at the time was a way for Aspell to capture their mystique. 'I’ve always been attracted to the theatre’s stage doors. They’re like the unsung heroes, each with their own characteristics,' says Aspell. 'They are often inconspicuous and understated, however behind them lies a bustling atmosphere of excitement, nerves, and hard work.' But now, as curtains remain closed and spotlights dimmed, the photographs have taken on new significance. 'The photos have taken on a different meaning in these strange times, evoking nice memories for many,' explains Aspell. 'To me, the doors are like symbols of hope now, a reminder that the community will thrive again.' Unsurprisingly, there’s been a resurgence of interest in the series in the past few months. We've pulled together some of our favourite shots, and asked Aspell about some of the stories behind them. Like what you see? Aspell has created a limited number of prints available to buy – DM him on Instagram to find out more. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Stage D

1. Revel in live dating disasters Rule #1 of being single on Valentine’s Day: don’t go on a first date. Apparently, six brave folk around the country DGAF about that because they have agreed to go on an interactive virtual dating show for the world to watch over Zoom. ‘Quarandating’ was created in 2020 and is hosted by comedians Joe Davies, Robin Clyfan and event director Claire Fitzgerald. For this special Valentine’s edition, held on Friday February 12, six singles will undergo bizarre challenges and date scenarios that will have you feasting on schadenfreude.Fri Feb 12, 8pm. Tickets £5. Photo by Pamela Raith 2. Rip rom coms to shreds Soppy romantic comedies can get in the bin on V-Day weekend; unless they’re being mercilessly mocked by an improv comedy troupe. Mischief Theatre (you know, the London company behind ‘The Play That Goes Wrong’) are doing a special romantic comedy edition of their Mischief Movie Night In series, where the audience tunes in virtually, submits a suggested title, genre and location of a film, and then watches as comedians improvise the film, live. Sun Feb 14, 7.30pm. Tickets £10 per device. 3. Rave the weekend away In the old days, you could just gather your single mates, go hard on the dancefloor and sleep through your Sunday none the wiser that Valentine’s Day had even passed. Re-create that vibe by hitting up an ‘illegal rave’ (which is actually, entirely virtual and totally legal). BBL CLB is a new online offering that’s part interactive the

Maybe you’re one of those people who scorns Valentine’s Day. ‘I don’t buy into overpriced set menus in stuffy Park Lane restaurants, and I wouldn’t go near those Paperchase cards with stupid animal puns on them!’ you once scoffed to your colleague after he innocently enquired what you had planned. ‘You can keep your Bloom & Wild letterbox flowers, your sickly sweet Cutter & Squidge ‘biskies’ and your Oliver Bonas mugs with ‘LOVE’ on them, man.’ But this year, something’s changed. Special occasions like this one are basically all we have to look forward to right now. That, and the vaccine. You already went all in on Burns Night and now you’ve found yourself Googling ‘most romantic walks in London’ and picturing you and your partner looking into each other’s eyes as the sun sets over Parliament Hill. So the question remains: what the hell can you actually do to make this February 14 different to any other day in this blighted wintry lockdown?    1 The digital death spiral  If you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day over Zoom, then it’s for one of two reasons: you’re doing long distance, or you’ve only been dating for a few weeks and you don’t feel ready to meet up. Either way, you’re in the danger zone. Fail to prepare and you’ll find yourself sitting in bed wearing the same grey jumper with the brown, cheesy stains from last night’s Patty & Bun. To make up for your dishevelled appearance, you’ll monologue about how you’ve recently gotten into playing online chess with strangers aft

Valentine’s Day is one of those things that creeps up on you. There’s the wintry torpor of January – especially this year – and then boom, old Saint V is right on your doorstep. Thankfully, there’s still enough time before Sunday February 14 to sort a seriously special gift for your loved one. There’s no need to overthink it; flowers are always a great choice. And you know what else is a great choice? Supporting a local florist. Times are tough for independent businesses right now, so every bouquet of blooms you buy will help keep your local going strong. Many of them offer online delivery, too, which means you’ve got no excuse. Here’s five indie florists we love. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here. The Fresh Flower Company  This East Dulwich florist sources nothing but the finest seasonal flowers from the New Covent Garden Flower Market and other local growers. Bright, contemporary bouquets are what these guys are best known for – and their V-Day special, the Valentine’s Rose Posy, is no exception. It’s a beautiful bunch of ruby red and vintage lilac roses with some scented blossom and eucalyptus.  From £25. Order by 11am for same-day delivery to local SE postcodes, Tue-Sat. All other London postcodes must place orders by midday on the day before delivery. No delivery on weekends. www.freshflower.co.uk.   Appleyard Nothing says romance like a bunch of red roses as big as your head.

Fact: singing makes you feel better. A lot better. I won’t hear anything against that – it’s just true. And if you can come together with others to sing in perfect harmony to one of your favourite songs? Well, that’s basically the Gail’s cinnamon bun of happiness. It doesn’t get much sweeter. Unfortunately, IRL choirs are out of the question right now. And that’s where Some Virtual Voices comes in. This month, Some Voices – the huge London choir that you’ve probably heard a mate (or us) raving about in the last couple of years – is launching a series of online classes to help recreate the in-person experience. Here’s how it works: the 90-minute rehearsals run weekly on Wednesdays from 7pm over Zoom. The choir leader, Marion Wyllie, will take you through a series of warmups, then you’ll learn an original Some Voices version of a popular song. No sight-reading is required; it’s all about repeating what the teacher sings, then putting all the harmonies together. You’ll be on mute the entire time, but at the end, you’ll get to sing along with a video of all the parts put together, so you’ll get the full choir sound. The series kicked off last night with David Bowie’s ‘Heroes’; check out the video of pro singers performing it here.  The best bit? Because you’re alone, you can really belt out those high notes – and maybe even unleash some dance moves. And if this sparks a love for live performance, then keep following Some Voices to find out when in-person rehearsals and shows begi

Welcome to our new series, One Good Thing to Do Today. It’s a guide to little things you can actually do in lockdown London that will provide bits of light in these dark times. In this instalment, Time Out editors select songs that will lift the gloomiest of moods Apparently, today is Blue Monday – aka the most depressing day of the year. HOW FUN. According to the 'scientists' who coined the term back in 2005, the third Monday of January is cursed: we're skint-post Christmas and pay day is still weeks away, our new year's resolutions are in the bin and the weather's still shit. Sounds about right! But you know what? By that logic, things can only get better from here – which means all we've gotta do is make it through the remainder of the day. Take that, science. And to help you do that, we've come up with a powerful playlist of tunes so motivational, so upbeat, so toe-tappingly, head-boppingly fun that you'll remember this as the greatest day of your entire life. Or, you'll just feel a little bit better. We'd be satisfied with that too. Listen to these songs on Amazon Music 1. ‘Good As Hell’ – Lizzo I will be forever grateful to my friend who bought me a ticket to see Lizzo back in 2018 at the O2 Academy Islington. In the space of two minutes, I went from ‘I think I saw her on RuPaul one time?’ to ‘This woman is a goddess and the antidote to all society’s problems'. I’ve calmed down a bit since then, but her powerful self-love anthem ‘Good As Hell’ reminds of t

Got a huge, musical theatre-shaped hole in your life? The BBC is here to help. ‘Musicals: The Greatest Show’ – dropping on BBC Radio 2 on Sunday January 31 – will see some of the West End and Broadway’s biggest stars belting out musical theatre hits captured at the London Palladium. Then, later in February, it will broadcast them on BBC One and BBC iPlayer for you to watch. Your host for the evening will be award-winning Sheridan Smith. She’ll perform the famous ‘Don’t Rain On My Parade’ from ‘Funny Girl’ (if you saw her play the lead in the 2016 West End production, you’ll be as pumped for this as we are). There are too many other highlights to name, but here’s a smattering: the Tudor-tastic cast of ‘Six the Musical’ will perform ‘Six’, Michael Ball will unleash the rollicking ‘You Can’t Stop the Beat’ from ‘Hairspray’, Gavin Spokes will bring the laughs with ‘You’ll Be Back’ from ‘Hamilton’, plus there’ll be hits from ‘Dear Evan Hansen’, ‘Wicked’, ‘Dreamgirls’, ‘The Greatest Showman’ and more.  Sheridan Smith said: ‘With so many amazing performers we’re going to hopefully bring some joy to all those at home, with the best songs to help lift the spirits in these very difficult times’.  But that’s not all we’re getting. ‘Musicals: The Greatest Show’ is the centrepiece of a three-day festival called Radio 2 Celebrates Musicals. Expect everything from celebrity guest presenters (including Jason Donovan, who played the lead in ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’), int

Welcome to our new series, One Good Thing to Do Today. It’s a guide to little things you can actually do in lockdown London that will provide bits of light in these dark times. Today, Rose Johnstone’s pick of the National Theatre’s new streaming service. Back in Deep Lockdown, the National Theatre launched a series that saw a handful of its biggest productions, originally filmed for the cinema, broadcast on YouTube for free to the world. It was insanely popular, and for good reason: with the barriers of price, location and time stripped away, who wouldn’t want to see some of the world’s greatest plays performed by top-class actors? You can now access a treasure trove of mind-expanding productions on the NT’s new subscription streaming platform, National Theatre at Home. Where to start? We recommend ‘Amadeus’. The National Theatre’s 2016 production of Peter Shaffer’s famous play is the very definition of epic. The story follows Antonio Salieri (played by Lucian Msamati), an Italian composer in the imperial court of Vienna who becomes obsessively jealous of the younger and more talented Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Not only is the play incredibly gripping, but there’s a live orchestra on stage and a party scene that makes the eighteenth-century court seem wilder than a Berlin nightclub. Much of Shaffer’s play is fiction, but you’ll still feel as though you’ve brushed up against one of history’s most virtuosic (and eccentric) minds – not to mention watched one of the most lauded pla

幸せホルモンともいわれるオキシトシンを瞬時に分泌させるには、動物の赤ちゃんを見るのが一番かもしれない。2020年は多くの人が、隔離中や気が落ち込んだ時、動物の赤ちゃんのふわふわした足、ふにゃふにゃな顔、小さなとがった耳を見て、癒やされたり、元気をもらっていたはずだ。 そこで、我々からの贈り物として、今年世界中の動物園で誕生した貴重な動物の赤ちゃんをリストにまとめた。スマホの通知をオフにし、深呼吸をして、愛らしい生き物たちを眺めてみよう。  1. ユキヒョウ（メルボルン動物園） この投稿をInstagramで見る Zoos Victoria(@zoosvictoria)がシェアした投稿 メルボルン動物園で生まれたユキヒョウ。3月のロックダウン後は、ライブ配信のスターになった。   2. コツメカワウソ（メルボルン動物園） Photograph: Melbourne Zoo  同じく、メルボルン動物園では、かわいらしいコツメカワウソの赤ちゃんが4匹誕生。マーフィー、ロドニー、グンター、スクイッドという名前が付けられた。   3. チーター（コロンバス動物園） この投稿をInstagramで見る Smithsonian(@smithsonian)がシェアした投稿 アメリカのコロンバス動物園で、世界で初めて代理出産で誕生したチーターの赤ちゃん。   4. ウンピョウ（マイアミ動物園） Photograph: Ron Magill/Zoo Miami マイアミで生まれた、信じられないほど珍しい（そして信じられないほど愛すべき）2匹のウンピョウ。彼らは外部からのストレスを避けるために、母親のセライと一緒に2カ月間隔離されていた。どこかシンパシーを覚える......。   5. コガタペンギン（ブロンクス動物園） Photograph: Courtesy Julie Larsen Maher / Bronx Zoo ブロンクス動物園で生まれたふわふわのコガタペンギン。彼らの成長はここで見ることができる。   6. シマウマ（ザグレブ動物園） © Zagreb ZooThe Zagreb Zoo's newest member with its mother クロアチアのザグレブ動物園では、シマウマの雌のサビーナと雄のグスタフとの間にかわいらしい子どもが誕生。   7. アリクイ（ナッシュビル動物園）  この投稿をInstagramで見る AZA(@zoos_aquariums)がシェアした投稿 アメリカのナッシュビル動物園に誕生した巨大なアリクイ。この子はどうやらぬいぐるみが好きなようだ。人間の方が思わずハグしたくなるほど愛らしい。   8. フタユビナマケモノ（バージニア動物園） この投稿をInstagramで見る The Virginia Zoo(@virginiazoo)がシェアした投稿 アメリカのバージニア動物園で生まれた、フタユビナマケモノの赤ちゃん。生まれて数カ月は、母親のハニーにべったり。   9. イノシシ（ウィップスネード動物園） Photograp

When it comes to getting that hit of instant oxytocin, it doesn’t get much more powerful than baby animals. In 2020, many of us turned to fluffy paws, squishy faces and tiny pointy ears to distract us through quarantine and cheer us up when things felt bleak. So, as a little gift to you, we’ve put together this list of some of our most treasured 2020 arrivals at zoos worldwide. Turn off your notifications, take some deep breaths and hang out with these adorable creatures for a while – you won’t regret it. These snoozy snow leopard cubs born at Melbourne Zoo, who became live-stream stars once the city went into lockdown in March. Photograph: Melbourne Zoo Murphy, Rodney, Gunther and Squid: the adorable litter of four Asian small-clawed otters born at Melbourne Zoo. These miraculous cheetah cubs who were the first-ever of their species born to a surrogate cheetah mother at Columbus Zoo in Ohio. Two incredibly rare (and incredibly loveable) clouded leopard cubs born in Miami. They were kept in seclusion for two months with their mother, Serai, to avoid external stress. We can relate… These fluffy little blue penguins born at the Bronx Zoo. (You can follow their progress here.) This lovely zebra foal born to mother Sabina and father Gustav at Zagreb Zoo in Croatia. This ridiculously huggable giant anteater (who apparently loves soft toys!) who arrived at Nashville Zoo. The very first baby two-toed sloth born at the Virginia Zoo, who spent the first few months huddled close to